Event Date
OFC 2023 logo

OFC 2023 will explore systemic solutions to the cumulative biodiversity, climate, food and energy crises that collectively we are facing, with optimism and determination not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"Oxford has always been about thought leadership and pushing the boundaries of farming, but it’s also definitely about the connections and conversations had around the halls and rooms of our historic conference. This is why we are so excited about bringing you OFC23.

For two long years the conference has been in ‘broadcast mode’, joining the rest of the world in working remotely and putting world-class content online. We have run two challenging but successful digital conferences, as well as a Bitesize webinar series, creating thousands of virtual impressions. But we all feel the excitement for being together with the extended Oxford family; we’re all hungry for those serendipitous chats in the coffee queue, sparking the chance to create meaningful connections with farming thinkers from across the world.

Reflecting on our desire for connections, our 2023 conference will have an equal balance between world-class content and space to engage. I am envisioning it like a doughnut, with our speakers and panels providing information, inspiration and challenge in three central blocks that will be available both online and in person. Whilst for those in Oxford, we will be curating a diverse programme around the venue featuring food, debate, literature, entertainment and space for reflection. We preserve the tradition of the Oxford Union debate and Christchurch dinner, but everything else will be refreshed and relaxed.

We want those of you making the journey to have time to be present in this glorious city, and time to reconnect with friends and allies for whom it’s been a long, long break in relations.

As the council begin to develop the programme for January, it is evident that crisis and conflict are at the front of our minds. Our hearts go out to those impacted both directly and increasingly indirectly around the world. The collective challenge is not just to avoid the mistakes of the past. Instead, it is to seek the systemic solutions that prevent poverty, environmental exploitation and ultimately conflict. In exploring the consequences of conflict on our farms and communities, we’re aware that we cannot rely on yesterday’s toolbox to fix today’s problems. Hence OFC23 aims to inspire a regeneration in our politics, our society and our supply chains, as well as our farms. This is also long overdue.

It’s time to start farming a new future.

See you at Oxford."

Emily Norton, OFC 2023 Chair

Related Organisations

Connected Content

Farm-PEP aims to bring together all the sources of useful knowledge for Agriculture, whether from academic science, applied research projects, industry trials, farmers own trials or simple on-farm experience. Listed below are useful websites, organisations and websites that we know of.  Add any we've missed in the comments box or by adding as new content, or better still, as a new Group.  

NFU

The NFU represents more than 46,000 farming and growing businesses. Our purpose is to champion British agriculture and horticulture, to campaign for a stable and sustainable future for British farmers and to secure the best possible deal for our members. We strive to protect and promote British farm life and give our members a voice now and in the future.

Agricultural Shows have always been a very important place for farmers and the industry to share knowledge. The nature of agricultural shows has changed, but there are now an increasing number of staple events for a range of communities.

Trusted software which elevates farmers to the heart to the food and farming ecosystem

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is the leading international conference held in the UK for farming and agribusiness. It takes place in January every year located in the historic and inspiring surroundings of Oxford University. The OFC's mission is to inform, challenge and inspire the 560 or so delegates who attend, to resonate and be a force for positive change throughout the industry. The 2023 conference is taking place between 4th-6th January - see our event page for more details in the 'recommended content' section below.

Delivering world-class science for our partners, for the future. Fera Science Ltd (Fera), pioneers in original thinking applied, driving innovative products and techniques to identify and detect emerging threats earlier across agri-food science.

We are agriculture and horticulture’s professional body. As the home of skills and careers support, we help people and businesses fulfil their potential and the industry thrive.

Policy plays a critical role in shaping the agriculture industry in the UK and Europe. Government policies can have a major impact on the way that farmers operate, the crops they grow, and the prices they receive for their products. Policy has a major effect on how land is managed and environmental outcomes.

Educating, inspiring and empowering current and future farmers to achieve net zero within a sustainable farming and food system.

WWF

WWF supports lots of work on sustainable agriculture in a partnership with Tesco.

Innovation in agriculture refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, technologies, and practices in the agricultural sector.

Share resources, ideas and experiences on running successful agri-businesses.